This is all true. Even though I really don't read or write fan fiction anymore, it's still something that I have opinions about. I was disillusioned with the nastier aspects of the PPC and other things like it a long time ago. When I was 14 or 15, bashing Mary Sues and having a fit about canon and bad writing and characterization seemed very important. Then I got older and realized that it's not the end of the world if someone wants to share a poorly written story about a super awesome girl who gets with Legolas, especially if they're having fun doing it. And even if these authors never really improve, even if they continue writing this stuff for the rest of their lives, who cares?